Solar panels are more affordable than ever.
They’re an excellent investment in your home–look at the ROI many homeowners have seen in the past decade.
But, there are a lot of considerations to take into account when obtaining solar panels. One of these considerations is the average cost of solar panels, depending on the panel type and house it’s installed on.
Let’s look at what factors into the cost of solar panels. Keep reading!
Location
Location is one of the most important factors in figuring out how much solar panels for homes cost on average. Solar panels cost different amounts in different places.
California, New York, and Hawaii cost more because their energy rates are high, there aren’t many local suppliers, and there are a lot of benefits. Solar panel prices are cheaper in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas because they get a lot of sun and can get things close to home.
Top solar installers of solar panels work faster when the sun is out, meaning homes may pay less for installation. In some cases, putting up solar panels may be much cheaper.
System Size
The system size is the total wattage of solar panels a house requires. A contractor installs 1 to 6 kilowatts of system capacity for residential and commercial solar systems. The average cost for a 6-kilowatt system is $18,000, while a 2-kilowatt system may cost around $3,000 to $4,500.
The cost of the system increases as the size increases, as well as the amount of electricity generated. The price per watt is also essential, with larger and more expensive solar panels providing higher wattage and more electricity.
So, when deciding on the size of a solar panel system for your house, consider the solar energy requirements, cost efficiency, and system size.
Type of Panels
Solar panels for houses come in various types, and the average installation cost depends upon the type of panel used. Generally, they divided the panels into two categories: monocrystalline and polycrystalline.
Monocrystalline panels are the most common and efficient, making them the most expensive, running between $1.00 to $1.50 per watt. Polycrystalline panels are less efficient and costly, costing between $0.90 and $1.00.
Both types will provide long-term energy savings, but the installation cost is a significant factor. Additionally, new technologies are changing the solar panels industry and driving down the price.
For example, new thin-film solar panels have become popular as they offer much lower installation costs, often below $4,000.
Installation Costs
Depending on the size of the building and how difficult the wiring is, installation work could cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. When putting solar panels on a house, the owner needs to think about how much work will cost in their area.
If a homeowner looks for the cheapest service, they might save money. Installing solar panels costs different amounts for different people, so get a quote from a professional solar company.
Inverter
An inverter is usually required as it converts the solar panels’ DC (direct current) generated into usable AC (alternating current) electricity. Prices for inverters can range from around $1,000 to over $5,000. The cost is usually based on the wattage capacity and brand of the inverter.
They need an inverter to convert the energy collected from the solar panels into usable electricity. They can lease the inverters, or you can buy them. They can either include it in the solar panel installation cost or add it after you buy the solar panel system.
Battery Storage
Solar panel systems are complete with battery storage to store the energy generated. The combination of solar and battery storage is necessary for a full solar energy setup. It can add to the total cost of a solar panel system.
The cost of battery storage depends on the battery size and the system configuration. Still, it can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. Battery storage is a great way to maximize the benefits of solar energy because it can store the energy produced during the day for use at night or during cloudy periods.
In addition, it eliminates the need for energy transmission from utility providers. Battery storage can be a costly but necessary part of a solar energy system, making it an essential factor to consider when pricing out solar panels for a house.
Local Regulations
The average cost of solar panel systems for residential homes can vary depending on local regulations. Some states offer generous tax credits and other financial incentives that make solar panel systems more cost-effective.
Local laws and regulations, such as building permits, can also contribute to the costs of setting up a solar system. Solar panels may be subject to inspection fees in some areas, impacting the price.
Researching the regulations associated with your local area is essential to understand the factors related to the cost. Additionally, solar panel systems are an innovative technology that can affect the price.
It needs to consider all these factors before making a buy.
Solar Panel Brand
The average cost of solar panels for houses varies from brand to brand and the quality of the panels. Solar panel brands such as SunPower, Royal Solar Power, Enphase, and Silfab are known for their high-quality products. Still, they will cost more than less reputable brands.
For a 2Kw system, you can pay between $10-15,000 for one of the top-tier brands. Over the long term, these investments pay for themselves with the energy you save from not using power from the grid.
So, while those pricier brands may be a more significant initial investment, the benefit is worth the cost.
Cost of Solar Panels Guide
The average cost of solar panels for houses may vary depending on the system used and the services purchased. Still, it is generally an affordable long-term energy solution. Homeowners should check their energy needs and investigate the solar panel options available to determine the best investment for their circumstances.
Take action now and explore the potential benefits of solar energy for your home today!
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